Australian star Jack Jenkins put on a masterful display of mixed martial arts in his third round TKO victory over Freddy Emiliano Linares on Dana White’s Contender Series as he hopes to earn a UFC contract.
Jenkins, who is renowned for his brutal kicks that have snapped the legs of three opponents, didn’t quite get to showcase his trademark move but it was as dominant a showing he could have asked for.
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He secured the take-down in the first round and smothered the Ecuadorean, working his way through different positions before teeing off once he was in full mount.
Linares looked for a submission but it was to little avail.
Jenkins poured on the pain in the second, unleashing brutal knees to Linares’ rib cage before bringing him down to the canvas again.
The Aussie then unleashed a series of brutal elbows to Linares’ skull and cut his rival open with a brutal gash above his eyebrow.
With laser-like accuracy, Jenkins was unrelenting with the elbows as Linares’ blood continued to pour all across the octagon.
It was more one-way traffic in the third, but not before Jenkins had a minor equipment malfunction with his cup that required some assistance.
The referee eventually decided to spare Linares further punishment as the Aussie celebrated a stunning TKO win.
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Given his striking prowess, it was perhaps a little surprising that Jenkins opted for a fight filled with plenty of grappling.
However, the Victorian revealed he saw something that told him he’d have plenty of success if he took the fight to the ground.
“I just noticed early he was overeager with that double jab,” Jenkins said.
“Somebody gets overeager with that double jab and they’re up tall, they’re so easy for that front leg tap. So I took that and wanted to go to work.
“He played real defensive, wasn’t trying to get up so I had to just try and get my work done from the guard. I’m happy with that, wanted to show that I’ve got a fully rounded skill-set. I’m ready to go.”
With a UFC contract not guaranteed, Jenkins had a pointed message for White and revealed he’s out to fulfil an epic promise.
“Let’s do it,” Jenkins said.
“Me and Jimmy Crute went through a lot. One of our friends is in hospital from a fight and he has been for a few years. I wanted to come here.
“We made a promise to him that I was going to get here and fight with Jimmy. I’m going to do that.”
